BMW 1 Series 2011 News

BMW has taken the wraps off the facelifted 1 Series range, which will bring updated styling and engines to the small hatch lineup.Headlining the changes are completely redesigned head and taillights with revised front and rear bumpers that help correct the previous model's polarising styling.The new bonnet and front bumper also give the 1 Series a more aggressive appearance than before, while bringing the model’s design in line with newer BMWs like the 4 Series and X4 SUV.Daytime running LED lights positioned within the main headlights are also fitted as standard on the new model, while full LED lamps are available as an option.At the rear the new 1 gets refreshed taillights with distinctive L-shaped LEDs and a revised tailgate design that gives the hatchback a stylish 6 Series inspired design.The interior has also had a makeover, although the changes are less noticeable and limited to material upgrades around the centre console.Revisions have been made beneath the sheetmetal too, with BMW’s new three-cylinder engine family (first seen in the new Mini) introduced across the entry-level models.The petrol 116i will swap its current 100kW/220Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine for the new 80kW/180Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder motor, which can use as little as 5.0L/100km on the European cycle.However the power deficit compared to the four-pot means the new 116i is around two seconds slower from 0-100km/h than the outgoing model.An efficiency-focused 116d Efficient Dynamics Edition model is also being launched, powered by an 85kW/270Nm diesel three-cylinder and can return 3.4L/100km combined on the European cycle. It's unclear at this stage if this variant will be offered locally.The petrol 118i is also taking a power cut but keeps the same 1.6-litre turbo engine as before. It’s revised 100kW/220Nm  output is 20kW and 30Nm less than the outgoing version and it’s 0-100km/h time has increased by a smidge over a second to 8.5, though fuel consumption has dropped 0.1L/100km to 5.4L/100km combined on the European cycle. At the top of the range, the M135i performance model receives a 5kW power boost, bringing the outputs of its 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six to the same 240kW/450Nm as its more recent two-door M235i stablemate.Despite the extra power, with the no-cost option eight-speed automatic gearbox specified, the M135i still takes 4.9 seconds to reach 100km/h – the M235i is a tenth quicker.The new BMW 1 Series range is expected to arrive in Australia in the second half of this year. 

Hundreds of new and updated cars arrive in Australia each year but only one is good enough to make the honour role for Carsguide COTY.This time around the prize fight is tougher than ever, with new arrivals for 2011 covering every size and price class, from the ordinary Chery J1 from China to the exotic Ferrari 458 Italia from Italy. Neither of them makes the COTY cut, but that's another story ...The reach for COTY 2011 contenders actually stretches back to the final months of last year, to include a couple of cars that just missed the 2011 cutoff, and this time around the newcomers must have hit showrooms by December 1.So, unfortunately, the all-new Toyota Camry is a non-starter. It's the same for the make-or-break four-cylinder Falcon.But the class of 2011 covers all the bases, from affordable mini cars through family and prestige cars to a hot new coupe. The hopefuls come from Europe, Asia and Japan, as well as right home in Australia.Setting the field for 2011 was not easy, particularly with the outgoing champion - the Volkswagen Polo - still casting a considerable shadow.But each of the COTY judges, who cover the Carsguide contenders and drive them in all conditions from coast to coast, has called up their personal favourites from Alfa Romeo through to Volkswagen to help guide the selection process.Then it is the final cull by the COTY veterans to produce the top 10 for a gruelling two-day shootout to consider everything from design and safety through to value and their driving ability on a wide range of roads from Ford's You Yangs proving ground to freeways, suburban streets and gravel roads on the outskirts of Melbourne.The field is set, the race is about to be run, but we cannot get ahead of ourselves.So here are the 10 COTY contenders ... now it's over to the judges: 

BMW 1 Series, from $39,593Several impressive new BMWs hit the road in Australia in 2011 and the pocket rocket 1 M is a Carsguide driving favourite. But it's the overall 1 Series range that is the best ambassador for the brand, even ahead of a new X3 that has most of the strengths of the original X5.The new One is a major improvement and refinement of the original One and introduces the idea of streamlining the options at BMW, taking the fight right up to Audi and Benz with sharp pricing for the 116i starter car.Gover says: The original 1 Series was a big breakthrough at the bottom end for BMW and its replacement is impressive, but I'm not a fan of the puffed-up nose or seemingly-endless options.

...a sure starter for Europe next year but not so certain here.Fewer doors do it no harm. Same cracking engines, same brilliant rear wheel dynamics, nicer lines.

It says BMW's new look compact will share its mechanical package with the next-generation Mini to go head-to-head with the new Benz B-Class and Volkswagen’s Golf Plus.

...but it's not the only sports update in the family.BMW's M division is also working on an upgrade for the regular 135i hatch that is part of the upcoming renewal of the 1 Series line-up.

The new 1 will get slightly bigger and more refined to leave space for an all-new baby car - the 0 Series? - to slide in below it. The newcomer will introduce front-wheel drive to the BMW range and will also share a lot of its running gear with a smaller Mini starter car.The next 1 Series should go public before the end of this year, which is how Carparazzi could a car during testing in Germany. The thinly-disguised five-door prototype shows the prominent grille, sportier bumpers and production tail lights that will be used on the car, as well as the slimmer C-pillar design being used to improved side and rear visibility.Carparazzi confirms BMW's plan for another full range of 1 Series models, from three and five-door hatches to a coupe and convertible. There could also be a longer, two-door wagon-hatch model in the style of the upcoming Mercedes 'shooting brake'.Powerplants will be updated to boost power and cut emissions and fuel use, but Carparazzi still predicts a range of petrol and diesel engines from 1.4 to 3.0-litres in capacity - as well as a hybrid.

The spread of the dealer network aims to keep up with demand caused by a booming population and Australia's strong economy.  Within two years, BMW will see $40 million spent on new or refurbished outlets as it shoots for 50 national dealerships.These include a second dealership in Perth ($15 million), expanded Doncaster (Victoria) premises ($10 million), a North Shore Sydney franchise ($8 million) and a new dealer at Tweed Heads.  The Perth dealership, to be built this year by the existing franchisee, is in the city's expanding northern suburbs.BMW Australia managing director Stavros Yallouridis says the expansion reflects the mechandising concept that takes the product closer to the buyer.  "We are, to a degree, a product for the impulsive buyer," he says."We have to go to the buyer and that redefines the distribution of our products. In many cases, as we expand our products with smaller cars, we have to be in city areas that demand small cars in order to sell to our target market."Yallouridis says the car market was aiming for record highs and, in BMW's case, highlighted by the 1-Series, X1, 5-Series and 7-Series."The X3 comes in next year and there's the 1-Series hatch and coupe, so sales will expand further," he says.The Audi Centre in Perth is more than doubling its floor area, taking over a neighbouring property in the high-end car retail suburb of Osborne Park. The suburb also hosts Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lexus, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz.The additional building will accommodate the new 26-car showroom - effectively 2.5 times bigger than present - to display one of each of Audi's models.  Dealer principal David Collins says the investment of about $15 million was necessary."The customers demand it and we desperately need the space because of the growth in Audi sales," he says.  "In 2004 we had 120 new car sales. Now we have 1050."Audi's sales are higher than BMW's when you take out the SUVs.  "I've ordered 250 units of the A1 for 2011 because of demand."  Collins says the Q5 was "the most successful car I've ever been involved with".He says it reflects the growing trend of buyers seeking to downsize their cars yet retain quality and luxury.  BMW has recorded a 10.4 per cent national sales growth year-to-date and, with global sales this calendar year of 775,000, has surpassed Mercedes-Benz (735,000) and Audi (726,000).It has since January sold 1156 of its baby X1 SUV - now its third most popular single-body seller after the 3-Series (3326) and X5 (1955) - for 2 per cent of Australia's passenger-car market.Audi has 1.7 per cent of the car market, primed by sales year-to-date of 1458 A3s and 2521 A4s, and Mercedes-Benz has 2.6 per cent thanks primarily to its E-Class stranglehold of the $70,000-plus large luxury car sector and the robust 4242 C-Class sales.

That will be tested when the German company launches its new, small 1-Series five-door hatch in September. The starting point for BMW cars was $43,869 for the Compact 3-Series three door which had limited appeal in this country. But at under 40 grand (for 118i), the Corolla-size 1-Series has much better prospects, particularly as it is built on the 3-Series production line in Regensburg, Germany, using the 3-series platform as a base and the same engines. The model kicks off in Australia with the 120i – using a 2.0-litre, 110kW, four cylinder petrol engine. A lower-priced 118i – with a 1.8-litre petrol four arrives early next year. The 2.0-litre engine features variable valve timing and balancer shafts to improve performance. It is mounted longitudinally in the 1-Series engine compart- ment. The 1-Series has a number of appealing features not the least being its rear wheel drive layout – all other cars in this segment are either front wheel drive or in high range models, all wheel drive. As well as a strong point of difference, rear drive gives the 1-Series a superior feel to other small cars with a total absence of torque steer (unexpected steering effect under power). Two six speed transmissions will be offered on the 120i in manual and steptronic (sequential) auto. The 118i will have a five speed manual and six speed auto. As expected, the 1-Series passes the Euro NCAP crash test with a five star rating. Various chassis components are aluminium includ- ing the front suspension. Like all other BMWs sold here, the 1-Series boasts an arsenal of electronic control systems to improve dynamics and boost safety. Numbered among these are ABS, Dynamic Stability Control, Cornering Brake Control and plenty more. The car has a 50/50 weight bias to optimise handling and ride. Styling has clear links to other cars in the BMW range – 3-Series headlights, concave side panels from the Z4. It has a chiselled look to the body with style lines to accentuate its shape and make it stand out. Of particular note is the so-called "banana line" along the bottom edge of the doors – something not seen before. The interior is typical BMW sharing general layout and controls with other models in the range. It is neat, functional and aesthetic. No "space miracle" inside, the 1-Series will accommodate five at a pinch or four in relative comfort. Rear seat legroom is tight with medium size front passengers and the boot is a good size. We were able to drive the new 120i at the international launch in Munich last week and liked what we saw. The car has excellent dynamics and a sporty feel coupled with an engine not afraid to rev. The six speed manual transmission has short throws between gears and all the controls have a firm, typically BMW feel. No autos were available for test. Engine performance is acceptable from the 2.0-litre petrol but the diesel 2.0-litre, not coming here, is the real goer in the range. A rash of new high tech diesels is flooding Europe offering superior performance, economy and lower emissions than petrol engines.European carmakers are investing heavily in new diesel technology. Also prevailing in Europe are either run-flat tyres or space saver spares. The new 1-Series has the latter and no spare. Ignition is by push button after key insertion and a service indicator does away with under bonnet checks such as the oil dipstick. An extensive range of options is available with the 1-Series including items like i-drive and satellite navigation. Standard equipment is extensive and of high quality.The 1-Series will compete in the premium small car segment with Audi A3, Alfa 147 and VW Bora. Mercedes-Benz has no direct competitor.